SANTA CLARA -- With the 77th pick in Friday night's third round, the 49ers drafted Wisconsin's Chris Borland to help out a linebacker unit that will be without NaVorro Bowman for likely the first half of the season.

"I expect Bowman to make a comeback. He's a great player. It's way too early to look that far," Borland said. "I'm just going to find my role."

Borland, the Big Ten's Defensive Player of the Year, started 45 games and forced 15 fumbles, the second-most in FBS history.

With Patrick Willis still in his mainstay role, Borland will look to win a spot on a linebacker corps that also features Michael Wilhoite and Nick Moody.

"I really didn't know," Borland said when asked if he anticipated the 49ers' interest. "I met with Coach Harbaugh and the staff at the combine, but other than that, I had no clue."